Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?

Subject: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: Torctgyd
Date: 01 Aug 05 - 08:07 AM

I was fortunate to attend Sidmouth last year and so heard at first hand the reasons why Mr. Heap was pulling out (that is: the risk of loosing money due to bad weather). I see from the internet that the weather at Sidmouth this year has been, well, crap. If Mr. Heap had continued running the festival would he have lost lots of money (the figure bandied about last year was in the order of £250,000) from reduced Arena sales this year?

So was Mr. Heap lucky and/or smart to finish last year and not go for 'just one more'?

Even with the weather I wish I could be there this year.

T

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: Polly Squeezebox
Date: 01 Aug 05 - 10:45 AM

I think the correct word is CAREFUL! I heard he risked losing his family's home if he went ahead with the festival this year then lost money because the weather was bad. Nobody can blame him for not taking that risk.

I also heard that Bill Rutter, remember him (he's the one who started Sidmouth Festival at the very beginning) said when folk is fully revived and healthy events will be organised by the people themselves, not an organisation. So, with the cessation of Sidmouth Festival being organised by EFDSS or Mrs Casey's Music, etc., Bill Rutter's vision has happened with the help of the many individuals who went in there and by their efforts made is happen. Good luck to them all.

Polly

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: gnomad
Date: 01 Aug 05 - 02:48 PM

Business-wise it seems to me that the smart guys make their own luck.

I have met Steve, but don't know him. I should say a bit of each, but mostly smart.

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 01 Aug 05 - 03:34 PM

Well, given the vagaries of the English weather and previous experience, I'd say more judgement than luck..... If the rest of the week is blazing sunshine and tropical temperatures, will there be folks sticking their tongues out and going 'nyah nyah'?

LTS

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 01 Aug 05 - 04:05 PM

While it seems to me he really did work hard for Sidmouth and is deserving of praise, as an observer, my answer is neither really.

As far as I can make out, it seems to me that he created an unsubstainable position in terms of reliance on the weather and the necessary underwriting.

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 02 Aug 05 - 12:28 AM

Steve is certainly smart enough not to risk his family's home on any business venture. Surely Mrs Casey Music (which has been around for decades) is a limited-liability company?

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 02 Aug 05 - 03:22 AM

It was more complicated than that because of the structure that the EFDSS passed on to Steve (which was a good idea at the time). I will not post details because I am unsure of them, but that is the general picture.

And remember Steve was not asking for £250,000 just a guarantee against a possible loss - that being the maximum. I think he came close to losing his home in 1997 and was determined not to do it again. The event was sustainable - plenty of much bigger events take place - but not without bigger financial backing.

Strangely as well Steve was at risk from really fine weather - less people came into the arena in fine weather too!!

Best regards,

Dave

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: fiddler
Date: 02 Aug 05 - 04:05 AM

Does it really matter!

I'm sure the decision was no where near as simple as folk make out.

And for the Record (Polly Squeeze) The WREN Trust has been organised to run the festival next year with a committe - not like this year but like the past 50!!

This year is a one off and a damm good show to those who have put the effort in - I hope to get there Thursday - Work permitting.

Lets not put people up on pedastles they always fall off in the end. And this post morten, without a viable body to analyse can only provide more hot air about matters previously aired very emotionally at length. Just let Sidmouth get a life and a future please.

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 02 Aug 05 - 11:25 AM

Seconded.

Dave

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 02 Aug 05 - 01:53 PM

Well guys..the sun has been blazing all day long in Siddy! It's still going now at 6.40pm.

My town is packed out! Steve Heap sent a card filled with good wishes to this year's organisers, which they read out at the official welcome ceremony and he is hoping to come down himself during the week so he said in the card.

Loved his festivals that I'd attended in the past, love this year's one too. Hope he'll be back along with Eddie Upton, Gordon Newton and Derek Schofield too. The town loves the fact that it is centred once more in the middle of everything though. The restaurants and pubs are chocoablock with people. Everyone has been surprised and delighted!

Just stick a marquee in The Arena and there you go....problems solved!

The Marquee on The Ham has been filled almost every evening so far. Black Umfolosi..sold out....Bellowhead....sold out...Show of Hands...sold out....and only a few tickets left for Kathryn Tickell and Battlefield Band too. And the weather hasn't affected any performances.

Lovely to sit on the hill, apart from the agonising back pain the next day, but let's face it...the weather pattern has changed. Every year, as they start to put the tents up...it pours down. Dry all through July and then WHOOSH! But...as I said earlier..it is blissfully sunny and very, very warm down here today!

You can't blame Steve for doing what he did. He felt he was banging his head against a brick wall...but things are changing now and Steve helped that to happen by sticking to his guns. He has given us all much joy in the past and thank you for that.

Right....I'm off out down to town again....to have fun! :0)

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Aug 05 - 04:44 PM

One thing to remember is that Mrs Casey Music is not a limited company. Steve Heap is a "sole trader" so his home is on the line if he looses money.

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 03 Aug 05 - 06:04 PM

Speaking as an organiser who also put his home on the line to keep his festival alive, it is something you only risk once. We all owe Steve an enormous thank you for keeping Sidmouth going when it faced closure many years ago. As chief "buck stopper" he is well used to the brickbats that have been aimed at him over the years but I fail to see the point of re-investigating his wise decision to let go the reins after last year.
It seems all the hard work of this years "non-committee" has paid off and they deserve nothing but praise. Now all power and backing to next years crew.
Just one observation as one who is missing Sidmouth after over 30 years almost constant presence. (Family illness came at just the wrong time!!) Please try and reinstate the overall season ticket, the joy of my festival going is the freedom to enjoy a little of everything and a lot of most.

Cheers all, and if you are going to be in Sidmouth this week have a pint or two in the Anchor for me.

Andy

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: GUEST,flatat
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 05:23 AM

the overall season ticket is a very important ingedient for many people as it enables them to 'float' in & out of events and benefit from workshops, concerts etc that they may be a bit hesitant about paying on the door for eg where they don't know the artist.

Also some may e.g. take in a workshop & learn new skills as it can be seen as a freeby - even though season ticket holders have effectively 'paid in advance' I agree the organisers have done a fanatastic job this year and deserve multitudinous accolades! but please bring back the season ticket next year - it will do a great deal for the 'feel good' factor.

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: Ralphie
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 05:46 AM

Well, was only there Sunday/Monday, but interestingly, the Sun eve concert in the Bedford that I was involved in, was full from beginning to end. (and reports suggest that this was true of most if not all of the events)
In my experience in the past, season ticket holders would drift in and out, and the support acts could find themselves performing to 2 blokes and a dog sometimes! Buying individual tickets seems to focus the mind somewhat, apparently, and keeps bums on seats!
Did have a brief chat with Eddie Upton on the Monday, and all the organisers are very aware of the need to sort out the season ticket situation for next year. There doesn't seem to be an easy answer, but, all suggestions would be welcome I'm sure.
Hats off to all who have managed to raise this particular Phoenix though, and it was really good to see the craft/music bit, put back into the middle of town.

Considering the lack of time available, to revive the festival, It's amazing that it happened at all.

Even the weather hasn't been that bad!!

Heres to next year

Regards
Ralph Jordan (PJD)

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: Torctgyd
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 07:22 AM

Glad to hear the weather has improved and that Sidmouth is packed. I look forward very much to being able to go next year. Hooray!

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 02:46 PM

Ralphie tells us that there doesn't seem to be an easy answer to the season ticket situation. Presumably that means that there is not going to be a single festival under one management after all but another set of independent events again. That isn't what all the previous hype had led us to expect.

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: Leraud
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 03:28 PM

I came back from Sidmouth on Tuesday and enjoyed every minute of it. All the venues seemed to be packed and the sessions (Anchor, Theatre Bar and Volunteer didin't seem to be any different from previous years.

I wish I could have stayed to the end and look forward to next year.

Lynne

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: Ralphie
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 03:41 PM

Hi GUEST.
Please don't assume that I know anything about the organisation of Sidmouth...because I don't!
I was just passing on a conversation with one of the interim guardians of the Fest this year...and Yes, Season tickets or No Season tickets is a thorny problem for whoever ends up running Sidmouth in the future.

My main point was that Sidmouth got there this week, in spite of a lot of people saying that it would be a failure. And it was a success because a lot of good people made it happen.

As to next year, who knows......at least it will keep the boards speculating like crazy!!

For myself, I was happy to perform last Sunday, if for no other reason than an acknowledement of all the good years that I've spent in the town since my first visit in 75. Whatever happens next year, I'm sure that the Festival will survive.

Regards Ralphie

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: Mr Red
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 03:59 PM

Mr Heap is a hard nosed business man. He would have made money this year - but the profitability would have been less than other opportunities. I see he is involved with Beverley - tells ya something.

Personally I prefer folk to business. If it is business it ain't folk it's entertainment. And he does that well - but it don't rattle my cage none.

I just wish I could have supported Sidmouth this year but............ it's a long story.

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 05 Aug 05 - 09:37 AM

I believe that Mrs. Casey´s Music became involved with the organisation of Beverly at the request of the organisers of that Festival, presumably because they believed they had something to offer.

Not sure what that "tells ya?

As a "hard-nosed businessman" he has put lots of his own money into folk music, not least at Sidmouth.

I am not sure what that "tells ya" either!!

What does it tell you?

Sorry you don´t believe folk should be run as a business. Ask an professional musician what they feel.......

Dave

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: fiddler
Date: 05 Aug 05 - 12:32 PM

1) Lets Stick to Sidmouth, there have been many character assassinations of Steve over the years we don't need another one.

2) If a folkie is successful and by their actions make a profit then we are expected to dislike them - well all folk songs are about death unrequited love killing dragons disasters.

3) Where does Kate Rusby fit in to this? After all she has had stonking success entertaining and doing non folk things as well as folk things! When do we have to hate her - just so as I know?

Meantime lets stick to analysis of a festival I had to miss. I have spoken to a lot of folk and had mixed to good reactions during the week, none bad I am pleased to say.

Lets drink to the future and trust those in the hot seats make good decisions but let them not be successful as I don't want to have to dislike them too.

Andy
(being argumentative)

Subject: RE: Steve Heap - Lucky or Smart?
From: Cats
Date: 05 Aug 05 - 03:05 PM

Quick up date - apart from a shower last night the weather at Sidmouth has been glorious all week. Venues have been full, a stunningly friendly feel to the town, people have brought their families back, local people have been praising the festival and 'it's back in the town where it belongs' - not from me but heard again and again all week and in today's Sidmouth Herald. As for the arena? Well, a liability financially in bad weather and a money spinner in good weather. There again, when you drive into Sidmouth this time the first thing of folk week that you see is people smiling and enjoying themselves, not railings with the festival behind it - again, not from me but from people in the street. Loads of people have worked incredibly hard for no recompense whatsoever this week, not even travelling expenses or accommodation, to make sure that folk week worked. Whatever happened in the past, it's in the past. This weeks folk week has been a stunner! Thanks to everyone.